How Flowers Can Cheer Up Your Day
Few things in life are guaranteed to bring such joy as a bright bunch of newly cut flowers. A few slender, dramatic stems in a shapely glass vase in the corner of a room, a wonderful arrangement delivered to your door, a wild and ragged wild posy, or a bunch of flowers spontaneously chosen while walking round the supermarket – all these can add a sparkle to your day.
If you haven’t the space or time for gardening, then there’s always a wealth of flowers on view in your local florist or in the park or nearby woodland or countryside. Without having to spend a lot, you can decorate the smallest of spaces with flowering annuals, perennials and even shrubs and trees. You can hang things, grow them in pots or fill beds and patios with a wealth of color.
Year round, wherever you are, you’re sure to be able to find something in flower to add a new look to a tired old space, enhance a piece of furniture or add something special to your dinner table. In every season there will be blossom and blooms and a wide variety of colour to guarantee variety in every season.
Poetry, music, dance and the Japanese art of ‘ikebana’ are examples of the many ways that flowers play a central role in life and culture. Whatever the climate, or wherever they are grown – in deserts, the tropics, temperate climates and alpine landscapes – all are linked with things of meaning to us. Many colors are identified by their floral titles, such as ‘bluebell’ blue, daffodil yellow and rose pink.
Qualities we respect and value have come to be linked with certain plants. Lilies may mean purity to some. To other people, roses are the classic symbol for love. The bright blue iris communicates faith, wisdom and hope. The warm orange marigold (sometimes known as the ‘herb of the sun’) is symbolic of passion and creativity. The little white daisy represents innocence and patience.
Every state in the United States claims its own floral emblem. The New Mexican symbol is the flowering yucca, while in New Hampshire, it’s Pink Lady’s Slipper. Magnolia is the flower choice for Louisiana and golden rod for Kentucky. International emblems include the Australian golden wattle, in Bangladesh the water lily, while for the Danish, it’s the Marguerite daisy.
Decorative artists worldwide have always included flowers in their designs. Swirling patterns on wallpapers, upholstery and dress fabrics have characterised design themes from the Renaissance to the modern day. Furniture, household items, jewellery, hair decorations and clothing have all included floral motifs in their creation.
Many perfumes are florally based. Scents with traditional notes might contain lily of the valley or rose. ‘Floral oriental’ fragrances are spicier and often contain jasmine or magnolia. Citrus, such as orange blossom is another favourite category.
So many of life’s special occasions call for the gift of a flowering plant or an elegant Orangeville Flowers bouquet. Flowers are usually a first choice for marriages and when celebrating a new baby or a birthday. If you’re trying to find a gift to congratulate a friend, or to thank them for a special kindness, why not choose a floral tribute?
Looking for Barrie Flowers? Then be sure to visit Chasing Petals, one of the oldest and most trusted Barrie Florists that has served the region for over 30 years.
